Original Equipment Manufactured Windshield Replacement FAQ's

Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) Glass

In the auto glass replacement industry, it's common for OEM glass requests to be misunderstood by insurance companies, auto glass shops, and customers alike. Many people often confuse OEM glass with dealer or factory glass, assuming they are identical. However, there are distinct differences between the two.

What is Factory/Dealer Replacement Auto Glass?

Factory or dealer replacement auto glass refers to glass that is manufactured with the dealer’s insignia or logo, such as Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Dodge, and Lexus. These glass parts are produced by an OEM manufacturer like Pilkington (formerly LOF or Libby Nippon), Guardian, Mopar, PGW (formerly PPG), or Carlite.

I own a 2007 GMC 2500HD pickup, and the windshield has the GMC logo but says Pilkington underneath. What does this mean?

This indicates that Pilkington, an OEM manufacturer, produced the windshield for GMC (Factory/Dealer). If you want a replacement windshield with the GMC logo, you'll need to purchase it directly from the dealer. However, if you're only interested in getting a Pilkington (OEM) windshield and don't need the GMC logo, you can opt for Pilkington-branded glass. It’s the same glass, made from the same template, just without the GMC logo and available at a lower cost. Pilkington cannot sell windshields with the GMC logo to the public, as they manufacture those specifically for the Dealer/Factory.

What is OEM (Original Equipment Manufactured) replacement auto glass?

OEM replacement auto glass refers to glass produced by the same manufacturers that supply glass for vehicle manufacturers. These OEM manufacturers, such as Pilkington (formerly LOF or Libby Nippon), Guardian (now out of business), and PGW (formerly PPG), adhere to the higher quality standards set by auto makers, ensuring a reliable fit and performance.

What is aftermarket replacement auto glass?

Aftermarket replacement auto glass is produced to meet the same specifications as OEM or factory glass and is federally regulated to comply with all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). However, these manufacturers use reverse engineering to create the part template and may not always adhere to the same strict quality standards as OEM manufacturers. That said, aftermarket glass is made to match the exact thickness and specifications of OEM or factory/dealer parts.

How can I find out who manufactured my windshield or auto glass part?

All auto glass is federally regulated and must display the manufacturer's name, such as Pilkington (formerly LOF or Libby Nippon), Mopar or PGW. You can usually find this information in the monogram located at the bottom of the glass. If you're unable to identify the manufacturer or want more details, there is also a Department of Transportation (DOT) number on the glass. By entering this number into a DOT database, you can find out who made your glass and where it was manufactured.

I want the exact replacement auto glass that’s currently in my vehicle.

First, what do you mean by "exact"? Are you looking for a windshield with the dealer’s logo on it? If so, most windshields with a dealer insignia—except for Ford and Dodge/Chrysler—must be purchased directly from the dealer. This often comes at a higher cost and could take several days to receive.

However, if you’re looking for the same OEM/brand-name glass without the dealer logo, it's typically available at a lower price and can be sourced much more quickly.

I don’t care about the dealer logo or OEM brand name. I just want it to look the same.

All replacement auto glass, whether produced by OEM, Dealer/Factory, or aftermarket suppliers, will look identical. It will be manufactured with the same thickness, color, black dot matrix pattern, and black frit around the edges, regardless of the brand.

Will my insurance cover factory/dealer replacement auto glass requests?

While many insurance companies may discourage you from opting for factory/dealer glass, most will still provide coverage for newer vehicles, typically those from the current year or the previous one or two years. For instance, if it's 2011, your insurance would generally cover factory/dealer requests for vehicles from 2011, 2010, and 2009. Additionally, some insurance policies now include OEM endorsement clauses.

Are windshields made with varying thicknesses for the same glass part?

No, windshields are regulated to comply with specific standards that allow for a variance of only .005 inches. This means that regardless of whether the part is OEM, Factory/Dealer, or Aftermarket, all must adhere to the same requirements for that specific component.

Are all windshields for different makes and models manufactured to the same thickness?

Yes and no. For example, the thickness specifications for a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu windshield may differ from those for a 2005 Ford Focus. However, if two manufacturers produce the same windshield part number, they will maintain the same thickness within an allowable and regulated variance established by the Society of Automotive Engineers under standard SAE673.

I prefer not to have a windshield produced outside the USA.

That's understandable. However, even if your vehicle is an American brand, the OEM manufacturer might have production facilities in places like China or Mexico. Therefore, if you're seeking the "original" windshield, it could very well be manufactured in another country. Currently, there are no windshields or parts that are entirely produced in America.

I feel that windshields are more prone to breaking now than they used to be.

That’s accurate. Since the gas crisis of the 1970s, automotive manufacturers have implemented numerous design alterations to reduce vehicle weight. These adjustments involve incorporating more plastics and less steel, using lighter glass, and creating more aerodynamic shapes.

I was struck by a rock, and I feel that my aftermarket windshield broke more easily.

Regrettably, glass can break for various reasons, such as the size, shape, and speed of the object, the speed of your vehicle, and where the impact occurs. If the glass is hit near the edges, it’s more likely to crack and spread quickly. According to SAE J673, all glass is produced to the same standards of thickness, curvature, flatness, and size, regardless of the brand, within a controlled variance. Until they create an unbreakable glass, we’ll continue to be in business.

Do OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) produce aftermarket replacement auto glass?

Yes, they do. If the OEM doesn't hold exclusive rights to the template, they manufacture the glass using the same reverse engineering process as aftermarket suppliers.

If I request an OEM windshield replacement or auto glass part, will it be from the same original OEM manufacturer?

Not necessarily. Auto glass shops may not always be aware of who originally manufactured your glass. As a result, they will source replacement auto glass from an OEM supplier, which might not be the same as the original manufacturer.

Will getting a dealer or factory windshield or replacement auto glass part installed in my vehicle be more expensive?

Yes, it typically will be. In many cases, we need to source the replacement auto glass directly from the dealer to obtain the dealer insignia on the glass. This means that the price we pay to the dealer is higher, which we then pass on to our customers. The exception to this is if you need a Ford (Carlite) or Dodge/Chrysler (Mopar) part; in those cases, we can order from our local supplier, but these parts usually still come at a premium price.

I once had an aftermarket windshield installed, and I noticed a distortion in it.

It's important to understand that all windshields have some degree of distortion. However, in certain cases, the distortion can be more noticeable in specific windshields, regardless of who manufactured them. This means it can occur with OEM glass, dealer/factory glass, or aftermarket glass. If you experience any distortion issues with the windshields we install, they're covered by your nationwide lifetime warranty, so you won't incur any costs for a replacement.

Will my windshield leak if I choose aftermarket glass?

Leaks in windshields are usually a result of improper installation rather than the glass quality itself. Additionally, your windshield comes with a nationwide lifetime warranty against leaks. If you experience any leaking, please don't hesitate to contact us so we can resolve the issue promptly.

As a specialist in replacement auto glass, which type do you recommend?

All replacement windshields and auto glass components are produced to the same standards, and we provide a nationwide lifetime warranty that covers leaks, manufacturing defects, and installation issues. This means you face minimal risk as a customer. Our pricing is determined by the most cost-effective part available, which may not always be an OEM component. We're also happy to accommodate any specific requests you may have for replacement auto glass. We don’t favor any particular manufacturer; our priority is to keep costs as low as possible for our customers.

I find it really confusing to understand the quality differences in glass.

You're definitely not alone in that feeling. In today’s competitive economy, many OEM suppliers have relocated their manufacturing plants to overseas locations to remain competitive with aftermarket suppliers. As a result, there’s often a blending of OEM and aftermarket auto glass replacement parts, which can make it difficult to differentiate between the two.

The reality about OEM glass and windshields:

You're not the only one wondering about this. In today’s economy, many OEM suppliers have had to relocate their manufacturing facilities overseas to keep pace with aftermarket competitors. As a result, they often stock aftermarket auto glass replacement parts, leading to a blending of the two markets.